T. E. Lawrence to Clare Sydney Smith

Myrtle Cottage,
John Street,
Hythe,
Southampton

Thursday 5 (?) Feb. [1932]

F/Lt. Beauforte-Greenwood and party have been here all day, and I have not stopped running about. There is a lot to do when they are here: and when they are not.

My immediate duty is to compile a handbook upon the 37½ foot R.A.F. cruiser by Sunday night. As this is a month's job, I shall be very much in need of your prayers! So I have wired to say that this week-end is out of the question.

On Monday I am to go to Plymouth, for 2 or 3 days: then to London for 2 or 3 days that brings me to the week-end. If I can get to London, all well and good. I can Manston easily: just for Sat. night, I expect. Or I may have to return here. It depends on the progress the shipyard make, meanwhile, on their latest job.

November is a long time, and something may be possible between now and then.

I wish life in Hythe was easier. I work all day on the boats or in the yard; and at night with reports or logs or handbook. No music: no books: no rides. Too much motor-boating!

I will let you know as soon as I know myself, about futures. All I can see now is that I am hard at work till Sunday night. It will be a real rush to get through.

Yrs.

T.E.S.